Christina Swarns, Director of LDF's Criminal Justice Practice and Interim Director of Litigation, writes in the New York Times about why the pursuit of justice requires a federal investigation into the killing of Trayvon Martin. Recounting the history of federal intervention in cases where "innocent African-Americans were hunted, shot and killed because of their race, Ms. Swarns argues that the continued pervasiveness of racial bias in today's criminal justice system requires continued federal action.

Listen to LDF President and Director-Counsel Sherrilyn Ifill discuss the Zimmerman trial for the killing of Trayvon Martin. The conversation concerns racial profiling and the need for Americans to grapple seriously with issues of race.

Sherrilyn Ifill, President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund appeared on Andrea Mitchell Reports on MSNBC to discuss the affects of racial profiling, the Stand your Ground Laws and the gratification that the Justice Department has decided to investigate whether or not to pursue a federal civil rights claim.